Growing Tomatoes

Tomatoes are fabulous plants that with minimal effort can yield 2-3 lbs of fruit or more per plant.

Assuming you are ready to go with one or more plants (one will do as it is self-fertile) all you need to do is give it some TLC.  The best way to care for you tomatoes is keep in mind that they are living biology.  They need a home (soil), food (organic fertilizer or compost), and water.  The soil can be as simple as a potting mix in a container or a spot in the yard.   

Planting:  Try to locate a place in full  to maybe partial sun ( because of our hot summers ) and dig your spot about 18 inches in circumference and 12 inches deep.  If compost is on hand add some to the bottom of the hole and mix a little of the dirt you dug out earlier in the bottom of the hole.  Pluck off the bottom two leaves of the plant and bury a little deeper than where the bottom leaves once were.  I then usually add the suggested amount of fish emulsion.   

Tip's: Pick the first dozen or so blooms off the plant as this allows the plants energy to be concentrated on growth. 

Regardless of whether you used a container or not some support will most likely be needed to keep the plant off the ground.  This discourages pest and diseases.  Support can be in the form of tomato cages or wooden stakes but if you choose a stake make sure it is well placed because the plant will get heavy.

One teaspoon of Epsom salt added to the bottom of the dug hole after ( if using ) mixing the compost with the soil promotes healthy growth. 

Watering:  The rule of thumb is to give tomato plants one inch of water once a week.  Heavy watering is better than light watering as light watering encourages the plants roots to come to the surface in search of the water.  However, at summers peak supplement water might have to be given.

Feeding: To keep fertilized I use a diluted fish emulsion every three weeks during the growing season or other organic fertilizers found at most garden centers will do and have directions for each types use.  Note: fertilizers that need to be diluted will have a faster result than a powered fertilizer.  

Using a Container: If you are planting in a container choose pot that is at least a size of 15 gallons and a potting soil that has good drainage and if possible that supplies (organically) some nutrients.  I prefer Fox Farms "Happy Frog" Potting Soil over other leading brands. Be sure to check frequently to see if water is needed because container grown plants might dry out more quickly than those in the ground.  Also, if the chosen potting mix has nutrients allow the stated time of the nutrients to expire before feeding.

Harvesting:  The best thing I have ever done is to search the internet for the variety that I grow so I can see what the mature fruit looks like.  However when you are able to lightly squeeze the tomato and it gives a little try it.  It may take a couple of times but you will soon find the perfect ripeness.